Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also the leading cause of cancer death, with more people dying of lung cancer each year than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Fortunately, if found early, when it is small and has not spread, lung cancer is more likely to be successfully treated.
NewYork-Presbyterian Queens offers low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to screen for lung cancer. The LDCT scan produces quality high quality images necessary to detect many abnormalities while using significantly less radiation than chest CT scans. The use of this screening test is similar to the use of mammograms to detect breast cancer or colonoscopies to detect colon cancer.
The national guidelines for Low-Dose CT lung cancer screening target those most at risk.
Do you qualify for a Low-Dose CT lung cancer screening?
Low-dose CT scans are recommended for people who:
- Are between 50 to 80 years old (Medicare covers Low Dose CT Scans for patients 50 to 77 years old)
- Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years
- Have greater than or equal to a 20 pack year smoking history.
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A pack-year equals the number of packs smoked per day times the number of years the patient smoked. For example, 1 pack per day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years.
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